Mike Pence became the first vice president to speak during the March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Friday. Kellyanne Conway, Donald Trump's senior counselor, also made an appearance.

Pence promised that Trump would "work with the Congress to end taxpayer funding of abortion and abortion providers, and we will devote those resources to health care services for women across America."

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"Life is winning in America. Today is a celebration...I've long believed a society can be judged by how we care for our most vulnerable...we must meet this moment with respect and compassion for every American," he told the crowd. "Truth is being told, passion is overcoming convenience, and hope is overcoming despair."

This is the 44th year that supporters gathered on the National Mall on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision made by the Supreme Court to legalize abortion. Neither a US president nor vice president has ever appeared in person during the march.

Event organizers predicted 50,000 participants.

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. Let this movement be known for love, not anger, Let this movement be known for compassion, not confrontation," Pence proclaimed, adding that Trump requested that he make an appearance.

"Our president is a man with broad shoulders and a big heart," he said.

Former presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan spoke to previous crowds using telephones but didn't attend. Pence is an outspoken opponent of abortion.